You may not be familiar with the benefits you can get as the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran. You will be eligible for several benefits such as health insurance, disability compensation, education and training, financial support, federal or state job preference, insurance coverage, exchange privileges, survivor benefits, etc.
So, VA assistance can ease the burdens of many military families and help them manage their financial problems. But this is possible only if you know what benefits you can get as a spouse of a 100% disabled veteran.
Since we cannot cover all the benefits in this article, we will cover all the major benefits:
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
If a veteran’s death was related to military service or any service-connected condition, his spouse might be eligible for a tax-free monthly benefit, which is known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Typically, a spouse is eligible for DIC benefits if he/she has been married to the veteran for at least 1 year before their death. To be qualified for DIC for spouses, veterans, and service members must fulfill one of the following VA’s criteria:
- Service member died when he was on active duty, active duty training, or inactive during training
- The veteran died due to a service-connected condition
- The veteran was qualified to receive VA disability compensation for 100% disabling condition that was for a period of 10 years before death or since the veteran was released from active duty and for at least a period of 5 years before the veteran’s death
- For 1 year prior to death, if the veteran was a former war prisoner and died after September 30, 1999
Some spouses may get additional DIC monthly veteran benefits if they fulfill any of the given criteria:
- The veteran was 100% disabled and eligible for receiving compensation for a totally disabling condition for 8 consecutive years prior to death
- Surviving spouse has dependent under the age of 18
- Surviving spouse needs aid, attendance or is housebound
The monthly rate of DIC is $1,340 for the eligible spouse. This amount increases for every dependent child or if the spouse is housebound or needs aid or attendance.
VA also gives an additional benefit of $332 if the surviving spouse has children under age 18.
Survivors (Death) Pension
The eligible survivors also get Survivors (death) pension.
VA pays the Survivors pension equal to the difference between countable income and yearly income limit that describes spouse situation. The difference is then paid in 12 monthly payments.
Health benefits
Other than financial benefits, the surviving spouse may be eligible for health benefits via the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA). This program shares the cost of health care services and gives VA.
Spouses and children may be eligible for inpatient and outpatient services, medical equipment, mental health, prescription drugs, and nursing care.
To get the benefits, the following conditions must be fulfilled
- Veteran and spouse remained married
- All children are under age 18
- Children above 18 years of age will remain on CHAMPVA if they have any disabilities
➡LEARN MORE: List of Veteran Loans to Pay Bills You could Opt for
Educational Benefits
If a veteran has a 100% service-connected disability, his children and spouse will also get education benefits.
VA will help by providing education benefits up to three years and nine months for the spouse and all children.
This assistance can be used for a degree, certificate, or training program. The spouse can also use it for a correspondence course.
State Offered Benefits
Depending upon the veteran’s state of residence, a spouse may get additional benefits. These benefits include employment assistance, property tax exemption, and free counseling.
However, the benefits offered vary from state to state. So you should check your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs to know more about additional state benefits.